Things to Do in Baños

Baños sits dramatically in the Andes foothills, where thermal springs bubble up from volcanic earth and waterfalls cascade down cloud forest slopes. This compact town has become Ecuador's adventure capital, drawing backpackers and thrill-seekers who come for the zip-lining, bungee jumping, and white-water rafting, then stay for the surprisingly good food scene and those famous hot springs that give the place its name. The setting is genuinely spectacular - you're perched between the active Tungurahua volcano and the edge of the Amazon basin, which creates this unique microclimate where you might need a jacket in the morning and shorts by afternoon. Despite its popularity with travelers, Baños retains an authentic Ecuadorian character, especially if you venture beyond the main tourist strip.

The food scene has improved dramatically as Baños has grown into a major backpacker hub, with everything from traditional Ecuadorian comedores to surprisingly good international cuisine. You'll find excellent wood-fired pizzas, fresh trout from local farms, and plenty of vegetarian options catering to the health-conscious adventure crowd. The local specialty is melcocha, a sticky taffy made from sugar cane that vendors stretch dramatically in shop doorways. For authentic Ecuadorian food, head away from the main tourist strip where locals eat hearty almuerzo lunches for $3-4. The town's elevation means you'll want something warming in the evenings - the soup game here is particularly strong.

Baños sits in a transitional zone between highlands and Amazon, creating a mild climate year-round, though 'dry' and 'wet' seasons definitely exist. June through September offers the most reliable weather for outdoor activities, with clearer skies for volcano views and better road conditions for cycling. That said, the cloud forest environment means you should expect some rain regardless of when you visit - it's part of what keeps everything so green and the waterfalls flowing. December through March brings heavier rains but fewer crowds and lower prices. The thermal springs feel particularly good during the cooler, wetter months, and waterfall photography can actually be more dramatic with moody skies.